Pet Insurance Modernized
(Originally Published June 2021)
Better Since 2018 but Plenty of Room for Improvement
Since our last blog (2018) on this subject, things have gotten better. In 2018, 2.2 Million pets were covered by pet insurance, which was a 18% jump from 2017. Today, that number has risen to 2.52 million pets insured, with the annual growth rate in the US being 18%.
According to Today’s Veterinary Business, “Just over 1% of U.S. dogs and cats are insured. That number pales in comparison to the United Kingdom, where an estimated 25% of pets are covered, and Sweden, where the total is said to be as high as 40%.”
Cannabis for Inflammatory Conditions – Part 3: Gastrointestinal Inflammatory Disorders.
(Originally Published June 2021)
We’ve devoted much time over the past few months to discussion of inflammatory conditions that affect pets. Of all the body systems that impact our daily lives, in both humans and our pets, the gastrointestinal system (aka the GI tract or “the gut”) is probably the one we are most acutely aware of…regular feeding and elimination urges occur multiple times daily, and any disturbance to this process has an immediate impact.
The gastrointestinal tract is the main part of the digestive system, which includes all of the organs that are involved in eating and processing food. It begins with the mouth and includes the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines, rectum, and anus.
Cannabis for Inflammatory Conditions – Part 2: Arthritis and Other Musculoskeletal Disorders
(Originally Published Feb 2021)
In the last article, we discussed inflammatory conditions in general and their devastating effects on the body. This month’s topic is inflammation within the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, and muscles), one of the most commonly affected body systems for this disease process.
There are multiple inflammatory conditions associated with the 3 major components of the musculoskeletal system, and in general terms they are referred to as osteomyelitis (bones), osteoarthritis (joints), and myositis (muscles). Some well-known examples of these in people are fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Cannabis for Inflammatory Conditions – Part 1: General considerations
(Originally Published Nov 2020)
Inflammatory syndromes include a wide range of diseases and conditions, but they are all share the characteristic of unregulated and uncontrollable inflammation within the body. Scores of humans and their pets suffer from this chronic disease state, many with ineffective or disappointing treatment results. The array of conditions falling under this umbrella is so vast, it includes diagnoses ranging from allergies to cancer.
CBD, Cannabinoid Therapy and Pets: Help for Polypharmacy?
(Originally Published Sept 2020)
Many of our clients are seeking ways to simplify their lives. Let’s face it, we’re all busy and the last thing anyone needs are unnecessary headaches in managing their pets’ medical conditions. Let’s take for instance, the very recent case of a 10 y/o German Shepherd, Kona, whose pet parent started Kona on custom right:ratio in September of last year for arthritis. Kona had “severe bilateral hip dysplasia and osteosarcoma and was taking several pharmaceuticals, including Previcox and Gabapentin.”
Three Myths of Medical Cannabis | Don’t Get Fooled Again
(Originally Published April 2018)
#1 Weight, Wait, What?We’ve been formulating custom right:ratio for dogs for two years and have treated over 20 breeds, +240 dogs and made over 450 unique formulae. While weight is a factor in developing proper ratios, potency and recommended usage, many other factors are equally important, not to mention ratios of key cannabinoids to each other, as in the human realm.
Pet Insurance is Moving in the Right Direction
(Originally Published Sept 2018)
We all know the stress and challenges of having a pet facing medical issues, whether it be an upcoming round of cancer treatments, surgery to repair an elbow or teeth cleaning. Pet insurance companies are stepping up to assist owners who face the daunting costs for medical treatment, including alternative treatments and the use of right:ratio for pets undergoing cancer treatments.
Your Pet’s Therapeutic Range
(Originally Published Aug 2018)
An email this week from a new client highlights the importance of custom dosing for each animal. The goal is to reach that dog or cat’s therapeutic range safely and economically. The client wrote:
“Wanted to check in with you because I am having a bit of concern. Before we started right ratio Maya had been getting CBD treats made by [name omitted]. One treat twice a day. Each treat contains 7.5 mg of CBD per treat according to the package. I stopped those and started as you prescribed. She can hardly walk again.” Judi J., 8.12.18
Why Dosing Matters: The Plateau and the Biphasic Effect
(Originally Published July 2018)
As the use of CBD as a medical agent for pets grows in popularity, many pet owners are left wondering “Why did this product stop working?” There are myriad possibilities, but one not to overlook is that pets, like humans, can build up tolerance to CBD, THC and other key cannabinoids. What does this mean when you use CBD for you pet?
CBD Basics and Safety
(Originally Published June 2018)
CBD is all over the news and the internet as the wonder medicine for all sorts of ailments and diseases, for pets and humans. Some stories are truly inspiring – Dateline: Growing Promise was a recent program about human use of medical cannabis, with a focus on epilepsy. CBD comes as oils, pills, pet treats, spays and nearly every known form of delivery. But CBD is not all the same. Knowing some basic facts about CBD is important for your pet’s safety.
Dispensing Danger
(Originally Published May 2018)
Many of our clients come directly from the vet’s office, especially when their beloved pets are just diagnosed with cancer. We work with many clients and vets themselves who are calling us to understand what we do and how we ensure pet safety with our products. In fact, we’re currently treating over 10 animals owned by vets, vet techs or veterinary medical workers.
Pet Anxiety: Is your dog ready for summer?
(Originally Published in April 2018)
Summer is here which means that many dog owners are envisioning days spent at the dog park, weekends camping, and lazy mornings snuggled up with their best furry friend. But for some dog owners, the word “summer” is synonymous with “anxiety.” Fourth of July fireworks and summer thunderstorms often send our pets running for cover.
Veterinarians Seeking Changes to CA Law
(Originally Published March 2018)
For the last 22 years of medical cannabis in CA, veterinarians have been prohibited from prescribing, furnishing or administering it to animals because of its status as a Schedule I drug under Federal law. California state laws prevent them from even discussing the subject with pet owners. This has meant that veterinarians — the key non-family people impacting medical decisions about pets in CA — have effectively been legally barred from discussing medical use of cannabis with pet owners. As a result, the possibility exists that the people behind the counter of adult use dispensaries will become those who recommend CBD for pets.
When Palliative Care Becomes Necessary
(Originally Published Feb 2018)
We at right:ratio firmly believe that our saying “You Know Your Pet. We know Medical Cannabis”™ is never more accurate than at this stage of your dog’s life. You are the one who has rescued, raised, trained, nurtured and loved your dog more than anyone else in the world, and that is why we believe you know what is best for your dog when it comes to comfort and palliative care. Fortunately, because each bottle of right:ratio is custom made, it can be formulated to address this critical time in the dog and owner’s lives.
But what Is the Right Ratio? A closer look at customization
(Originally Published Jan 2018)
With the increased interest in cannabis products for health purposes, we know that you’re bombarded with tons of information. And the truth is, this information has been around for a long time; in fact, evidence suggests that people have been using marijuana since 2900 BC.
It’s just time that the medical community caught up with history.
Going to Pot: A Conversation about the Cannabis Stigma
(Originally Published in Nov 2017)
For months now I have been encouraging my mother to get over the cannabis stigma and develop a pot habit. This means I’ve had several surreal conversations with her, suggesting that she visit a local marijuana store just to see what they have to offer. Wait. I should probably back up a little bit.
2017-Early 2018 Highlights for your Pets
(Originally Published Dec 2017)
In mid-2017, we began to use Cannalysis Labs because we could test the purity of cannabis extracts used in right:ratio for up to 58 pesticides, grow supplements and residual chemicals. As a result, we frequently reject cannabis extracts that are safe for humans under state mandated regulations but that still contain chemicals that are not safe for pets. We are working with Cannalysis to develop a panel of tests specifically for pets to ensure greater safety in 2018.
A Cannabis Glossary of Terms: Understanding your pet’s health
(Originally Published June 2017)
At right:ratio, we’re not only invested in your pet’s health, we are dedicated to helping you with every step of the process. That is why we have put together this “cannabis glossary of terms” that we use in the pet cannabis industry. We believe that a big piece of your pet’s health is a full understanding of what is being used and why. From actively listening to your pet’s symptoms to determining the appropriate customized dosage of the right:ratio extract, we want to make this process as simple for you as possible.
Whole Plant Therapeutics
right:ratio is a full spectrum product that uses whole-plant medicine for optimal results. The plant Cannabis Sativa can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions such as cancer, seizures, anxiety, arthritis, pain, and gastrointestinal diseases. This plant plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis/balance within the body by interacting with specific cannabinoid receptors. Unlike conventional pharmaceutical medications, medical cannabis has an extremely low toxicity profile, with no lethal dose being reported in dogs.
right:ratio tinctures are custom formulated based on your pet’s condition. When your bottle arrives, it will come with instructions on how to dose and titrate to effect. The exact dosing and frequency of administration are based on many factors, including the specific disease treated, comorbidities, other medications your pet is taking, breed, age, to name a few. Pets new to cannabis should “start low and go slow”. It is necessary to titrate your pet’s medication as directed to obtain optimal results, as well as reduce the chance of side effects.
right:ratio works by interacting with your dog or cat’s natural receptors, and therefore every pet can react differently due to their unique genetic makeup. Some pets are more sensitive than others and need smaller doses for the same effect. It is important to monitor your pet for any signs of adverse effects. Some pets experience lethargy within the first 24-48 hours after they are introduced to the key cannabinoids in custom right:ratio. All of the right:ratio formulas are administered orally in the form of a tincture. For pets that are treated for anxiety, right:ratio typically works within 30-60 minutes. For more chronic issues such as joint pain, mobility, and gastrointestinal disease it may take 2-4 weeks to see results.
Terminology/Reference Guide
Full Spectrum/Whole Plant “Entourage Effect”:
Terpenes and cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC) work together to maximize benefits in the body. Studies show that CBD and THC can often create better outcomes in combination.
CBD (cannabidiol):
This is the part of the plant with no psychoactive properties and in fact can reduce the psychoactivity seen with THC. It also has several medicinal benefits.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol):
This is the part of the plant with psychoactive properties but it also has many medicinal benefits.
Terpenes:
Compounds that are found in the oils of all plants that possess medicinal properties. They interact synergistically with other components of the plant (cannabinoids and flavonoids) to create a greater physiologic response. This phenomenon is known as the entourage effect.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS):
This system is one of the most important systems for building and maintaining the health of your pet. Its primary function is balancing all of the other systems of the body. THC and CBD are cannabinoids that bind to receptors in the endocannabinoid system, specifically the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Endocannabinoids:
Chemical compounds (such as anandamide) that are naturally produced within the body and bind to the same receptors as THC.
Flavonoid:
Cannabis flavonoids are a naturally occurring group of phytonutrients. Flavonoids in themselves have been known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
Titration:
The process of gradually increasing medicine. The purpose of titrating slowly is to allow your pets receptors a chance to get used to the medicine and therefore reduce the risk of side effects. Keep in mind, when titrating, monitor your pet carefully and adjust the dose as needed based on your observation of how they react to each dose increase.
Cannabinoid receptors:
Class of cell membrane receptors in the G protein-coupled receptor family. The cannabinoids (both endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids) bind to these receptors.
External Links
“How Cannabis Benefits Dogs and Cats with Cancer,” Animalwellnessmagazing.com
“THC Binds Cannabinoid Receptors,” Labroots.com
“Cannabinoids 101: What Makes Cannabis Medicine,” Leafy.com
“7 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About The Endocannabinoid System” Medium / Cannaka
“US Veterinarians’ Knowledge, Experience, and Perception Regarding the Use of Cannabidiol for Canine Medical Conditions,” U.S National Library of Medicine